All of us are familiar with the importance of hospitality, but a commonly known midrash elevates its significance to another level. At the beginning of this week’s parashah, Abraham is communing with God. After noticing three strangers walking near his tent, Abraham begs leave of God in order to tend to these men (Genesis 18:3). Our sages derive from this narrative that receiving guests is more important than receiving God’s presence (Tractate Shabbat 127a).

Although this deduction is reasonable, it is nonetheless counterintuitive. Much of the point of religion is for us to recognize and experience God. These goals are contradicted when one abandons God for seemingly more mundane matters.

Upon deeper reflection, Abraham’s actions are completely understandable. Abraham is able to communicate with God, and in such moments the Divine presence is right before him. It is a greater challenge for Abraham to find God’s presence in the faces of the three men who wander in the desert and go unnoticed by others. By finding God’s presence in places and acts of kindness where no one thought to find Him, Abraham demonstrates that God can be found in places we would least expect.